Butter-Barbecued Beef Loaves
Juicy beef loaves topped with green peppers and onion slices, grilled to perfection with a tangy butter-barbecued sauce, ideal for casual outdoor meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, eggs, cracker crumbs, chopped green pepper, milk, catsup, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Divide the mixture into 8 portions and place each on double-thick squares of foil.
- Shape each portion into a loaf shape.
- Top each loaf with an onion slice and 2 to 3 tablespoons of Butter-Barbecued Sauce.
- Bring up the sides of the foil and fold down tightly in double folds; fold the ends over and over close to the meat.
- Grill the loaves 3 inches from the coals for 10 to 12 minutes, then turn.
- Grill for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can substitute the green pepper with chopped onion or celery if preferred. If you don't have cracker crumbs, use breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a filler. Ensure the foil is tightly sealed to prevent juices from leaking while grilling.
Serving Suggestions
These butter-barbecued beef loaves are delicious served with a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad. Pair them with cornbread or baked beans for a complete meal. They also make an excellent filling for sandwiches the next day, making it a versatile dish. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside Mell'S Reuben Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover beef loaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave them on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking periodically.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter-Barbecued Beef Loaves contains roughly 186 calories, with 7g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (203% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you may want to add a little more moisture, like an extra tablespoon of milk or a bit of olive oil, to keep the loaves tender.
What can I use instead of Butter-Barbecued Sauce?
If you don't have Butter-Barbecued Sauce, a mixture of barbecue sauce and melted butter will work well. You can also create your own sauce using ketchup, brown sugar, and a bit of vinegar for a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the beef.
How can I tell when the beef loaves are done?
To ensure the beef loaves are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (70°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open; the meat should no longer be pink and juices should run clear.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).